Corolla engines exhibit a refined nature. For most owners, that’s more important than brisk responses to the gas pedal. Toyota’s continuously variable transmission tends to keep the engine at higher speeds much of the time, but acceleration is wholly adequate. Sufficient sound-deadening tones down most engine rumbling.

Expect a firmer ride from the iM hatchback, but few trouble spots on the road will jar Corolla passengers.

Fuel economy doesn’t lead the compact-sedan pack, but Corollas qualify as thrifty. EPA estimates for 2018 have not yet been issued, but 2017 figures hover around 30 mpg in combined driving. L and LE sedans with the CVT are EPA-rated at 28/36 mpg City/Highway, or 32 mpg Combined. Upper trim levels are a hair less frugal, due to bigger wheels. Manual shift in the SE earns an EPA rating of 27/35 mpg City/Highway, or 30 mpg Combined. The LE Eco is EPA-rated as high as 30/40/34 mpg.

The Corolla iM is EPA-rated at 27/35 mpg City/Highway, or 30 mpg Combined, with 6-speed manual, rising to 28/36/31 mpg with the CVT.

Walk Around

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To many eyes, Corollas have a long history of uninspired appearance. That hasn’t kept tens of millions of motorists from driving one home. A bit awkward-looking overall, sedans have an uncommonly high ride height, with 6.7-inch ground clearance.

Interior Overview

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Legroom is good in the rear seat. Three passengers fit back there, but they’ll probably start to feel squeezed on a longer journey.

Despite a generally pleasing ambiance, nothing can be called luxurious within a Corolla, which contains an abundance of shiny plastic trim. Still, seat materials in most Corollas are attractive. Each Corolla has a height-adjustable driver’s seat, which is power-adjustable on top models. Synthetic leather used in upper models doesn’t feel real, but it doesn’t have to and should wear well.

All controls on the nearly-vertical dashboard are logical and easy to use. Contrasting stitching crosses the dashboard’s edges.

Though its dashboard is almost identical to the one in Corolla sedans, the iM’s infotainment system isn’t as neatly integrated into its surroundings.

Summary

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All Corollas are capable and well-equipped, but no sedan qualifies as a stunning value. Plenty of competitors can match the Corolla’s practical virtues, while offering more character. Even so, a Corolla does it job competently. Only those who crave driving excitement even in a family car are likely to be displeased. Those folks would be advised to look at a Mazda 3 or Honda Civic.

Driving impressions by Andrew Ganz, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.

Model Lineup

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All Corolla models are sedans except the iM five-door hatch. All come with front-wheel drive. All come with 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines, though tuning varies. Most come with a continuously variable transmission, though a manual is available for the Corolla SE and iM hatch.

Corolla L ($18,500) includes the CVT, 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, power windows/locks, and Bluetooth. (All prices are MSRP and do not include destination charge.)